Dr. John Sobhani, DMD, has provided comprehensive dental services to patients in the Los Angeles region since 2022, guiding Best Care Dental through a full range of restorative and preventive care that includes fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, veneers, extractions, and dental implants. He treats a variety of oral health conditions, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and develops personalized treatment plans suited to each patient’s needs. Dr. Sobhani also offers cosmetic solutions such as teeth whitening and Invisalign clear aligner therapy, and he works alongside dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff while relying on technologies like intraoral cameras and digital X-rays. He studied sociology at California State University, Northridge, where he served as president of the student health advisory committee and was a dean’s list student, before earning a master of science in gerontology from the University of Southern California and a DMD from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Outside the office, he enjoys tennis, golf, and swimming.
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant takes multiple steps. An implant is designed to function like a tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a crown or another dental restoration. Because the implant must become integrated with the jawbone, treatment usually involves a period of healing before the final tooth can be attached. Understanding the stages can make the process feel much more predictable.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. The dentist will examine the mouth and remaining teeth and may use dental X-rays or three-dimensional imaging to assess the jawbone and determine the ideal position for the implant. Medical history, medications, oral hygiene, and existing gum conditions can also affect treatment planning. The goal is to determine whether an implant is appropriate and whether any preliminary treatment is needed.
Bone health is particularly important because an implant needs adequate bone support to remain stable. After a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can gradually shrink. If there is not enough bone at the planned implant site, a dentist may recommend bone grafting or another procedure to strengthen the area. Depending on the situation, additional healing time may be necessary before the implant can be placed.
During implant placement, the dentist or oral surgeon places the implant into the jawbone under appropriate anesthesia. The implant is the portion that replaces the root of the missing tooth. In some cases, a temporary abutment may be attached during this stage. An abutment is a connector that extends from the implant and supports the eventual crown or other restoration. A temporary tooth may then be attached to the abutment, depending on the patient’s needs and the stability of the implant. In other cases, a removable temporary tooth may be used while the implant heals.
The next stage is called osseointegration. During this period, bone gradually grows around the implant, creating the stable connection needed to support the replacement tooth. This is one reason implant treatment can take several months. Healing time varies according to the patient, the location of the implant, the quality of the bone, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting were required. Regular follow-up appointments allow the dental team to monitor healing and determine when the implant is stable enough for the next stage.
Once osseointegration is complete, the dentist or oral surgeon can place or replace the abutment as needed. If a temporary abutment was used during healing, it may be replaced with a final prosthetic abutment designed to support the permanent restoration. The dentist then creates and attaches the final restoration, typically a custom crown for a single missing tooth. The crown is designed to fit comfortably with the surrounding teeth and support normal function.
Good care does not end when the replacement tooth is placed. Implants cannot develop cavities, but the gums and bone surrounding them can still develop inflammation or infection. Brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth, attending recommended dental visits, and following individualized maintenance instructions can help protect the tissues around an implant. Smoking can also interfere with healing and is associated with a greater risk of implant-related complications.
Patients should also pay attention to changes after treatment. An implant that becomes loose or painful should be evaluated promptly rather than waiting for the next routine appointment. Regular follow-up allows the dental team to monitor healing and the condition of the tissues surrounding the implant. These visits remain important even after the restoration feels comfortable and functions normally.
With careful planning, appropriate healing, and consistent maintenance, dental implants can provide a durable way to replace missing teeth. Because every patient’s bone structure and oral health are different, a dental evaluation is the best way to determine whether an implant is appropriate and what the treatment timeline may look like.
About John Sobhani
Dr. John Sobhani, DMD, has delivered comprehensive dental care to patients in the Los Angeles area since 2022, leading Best Care Dental through services that include fillings, crowns, root canals, veneers, dental implants, extractions, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. He earned a sociology degree from California State University, Northridge, followed by a master’s in gerontology from the University of Southern California and a DMD from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he also held an executive board role with Smile Squad, helping distribute dental hygiene kits to children in the Boston area.
